A recent survey conducted among cybersecurity professionals worldwide has identified phishing as the primary concern for organizations in the upcoming six months. The poll, which encompassed inputs from over 400 experts in various sectors, was released by Fortra, a leader in global cybersecurity solutions.
Identifying Key Cybersecurity Threats
Phishing was the most cited immediate threat, with 81% of organizations flagging it as a critical risk. Close behind were malware and ransomware at 76%, and inadvertent data leaks at 63%. Concerns regarding social engineering and third-party vulnerabilities were also prevalent among respondents.
Strategies to Counteract Cyber Threats
To mitigate these risks, security experts prioritized external threat prevention, particularly against phishing and malware. Other focal points included sealing security loopholes, enhancing organizational security culture, bolstering cloud security, and ensuring regulatory compliance.
Challenges in Implementing Security Measures
The survey also shed light on the roadblocks hindering the implementation of comprehensive security strategies. Financial constraints, the evolving nature of cyber threats, and a scarcity of skilled security personnel were cited as major impediments. Moreover, the aspiration to adopt zero-trust principles is hampered by limited resources, affecting approximately one-quarter of the organizations.
Fortra’s Principal Cybersecurity Evangelist, Antonio Sanchez, linked these issues to the accelerated shift to cloud computing, which has led to policy weaknesses and security vulnerabilities. He emphasized the need for improved controls and awareness of the latest attack methods. Echoing this, Josh Davies of Fortra pointed to staff burnout and reduced headcounts as additional stressors on security teams striving to maintain robust defenses.
